SUCROSE INTOLERANCE

Sucrose intolerance, also known as sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, is a condition characterized by the body’s inability to properly digest sucrose due to a deficiency in the enzymes sucrase and isomaltase. Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency a condition affecting many individuals worldwide, arises from difficulty in digesting sucrose, a common sugar found in various foods.

Causes

Genetic factors: Sucrose intolerance often has a genetic basis, with individuals inheriting certain gene variations that affect their ability to produce enzymes necessary for sucrose digestion.
Enzyme deficiency: The primary cause of sucrose intolerance is a deficiency in the enzymes sucrase and isomaltase, which break down sucrose into simpler sugars for absorption in the intestine.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, can impair the function of the intestines and affect the digestion of sucrose.

Symptoms of Sucrose Intolerance

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Common gastrointestinal symptoms happen after consuming foods containing sucrose. This includes:

diarrhea
abdominal pain
bloating, gas
nausea

Non-Gastrointestinal Symptoms

In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, individuals may experience

headaches
fatigue
mood changes and other non-gastrointestinal symptoms.

Diagnosis of Sucrose Intolerance

Clinical Evaluation: Diagnosis often involves a thorough medical history review and physical examination to assess symptoms and potential risk factors for sucrose intolerance.

Laboratory Tests: Healthcare officers may conduct Laboratory tests, such as hydrogen breath tests and stool tests, to measure enzyme activity and confirm the diagnosis of sucrose intolerance.

Elimination Diet: An elimination diet involves removing sucrose-containing foods from the diet and gradually reintroducing them to identify trigger foods and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments

Dietary Adjustments

Managingsucrase-isomaltase deficiency often involves avoiding high-sucrose foods and opting for low-sucrose alternatives to alleviate symptoms.

Medications

In some cases, doctors may prescribe digestive enzyme supplements to aid in sucrose digestion and reduce symptoms of intolerance.

The primary treatment for this condition is Sucraid, a medication recently approved by the U.S. FDA. Sucraid, also known as sacrosidase, is an oral enzyme replacement therapy that helps improve the breakdown and absorption of sucrose in the intestine, thereby alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the disease.

Sucraid is available in both multi-dose and single-dose formats, with the newly approved single-dose option offering greater convenience for patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness and tolerability of Sucraid in improving sucrase deficiency symptoms and enabling patients to maintain a more normal diet.

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques and regular exercise can help improve overall digestive health and reduce symptoms.

Tips for Coping with Sucrose Intolerance

Meal Planning: Planning meals and snacks ahead of time can help individuals with sucrose intolerance make informed food choices and avoid trigger foods.
Reading Food Labels: Learning to read food labels for hidden sources of sucrose and other sugars can help individuals avoid foods that may exacerbate symptoms.
Seeking Support: Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or online communities can provide individuals with sucrose intolerance with valuable resources and encouragement.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. What Foods Contain Sucrose?

Sucrose is naturally found in many fruits, vegetables, and sweeteners, as well as processed foods such as baked goods, candies, and soft drinks.

B. Can Sucrose Intolerance Be Cured?

The go-to solution for managing this condition involves a medication called Sucraid, green-lit by the U.S. FDA not too long ago. Sucraid, or sacrosidase as it’s also known, is a type of oral enzyme therapy. Its job is to step in and enhance the breakdown and absorption of sucrose in the gut. By doing this, it tackles those uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms linked with the condition.

C. Is Sucrose Intolerance the Same as Other Sugar Intolerances?

Sucrose intolerance is specific to the inability to digest sucrose, whereas other sugar intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, involve difficulties digesting other types of sugars.

In summary, congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency is a genetic disorder characterized by impaired sugar digestion. Sucraid is the only FDA-approved medication for its treatment, offering significant benefits in managing gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the condition.

Sources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Gas in the Digestive Tract.” Updated July 2017.
Mayo Clinic. “Lactose intolerance.” Updated August 2019.

Sucrose intolerance